Our worker co-operative model

Worker-owned cooperatives are business enterprises that are owned and governed by their employees. All worker cooperatives have two common characteristics:

1) member-owners invest in and own the business together, and share the enterprise’s profits, and

2) decision-making is democratic, with each member having one vote.

Since our modest beginnings, we have recognized the critical role that the co-operative plays within the fair trade model in assisting individuals, their families and their communities to improve their standard of living. We choose to identify with our producer partners by adopting the same model that they follow in their own co-operatives – one of democracy, participation and transparency.

Beyond the basics, our worker co-operative structure has enabled La Siembra to attract a team of individuals who are not only passionate about fair trade and organic foods, but who are also passionate in their ideas of how a “good business” should be run. Our membership is instrumental in shaping the mission, vision, values and strategic direction of the co-operative.

Our model is one of joint entrepreneurship and collectivism.

What are the benefits?

Member-owners:

· Have a vote in member meetings;

· Are entitled to run for board elections; and,

· Have the opportunity to participate in key organizational decisions.

Did you know that four in ten Canadians are members of a co-operative? This exceptional rate of participation in the co-operative economy includes everything from banking with your local credit union to buying everyday items such as food and gas from a co-operative business.

If you are interested in workplace democracy or transitioning an existing business to a worker-owned co-operative click HERE.

Co-operative trade relations account for more than 70% of our purchases and close to 50% of our total sales.

La Siembra Co-operative is a member of The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF), Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) and Cooperativas sin Fronteras.

La Siembra Co-operative's guiding principles

Fair trade:

We promote trading partnerships based on fairness, dialogue, transparency and respect in the pursuit of greater equity in international trade.

Vibrant communities:

We support sustainable community development through a commitment to organic/shade grown sourcing and fair trade practices.

Inter co-operation:

We prioritize partnerships with other co-operatives at the local, regional, national and international levels.

Open membership:

Membership is voluntary and non-discriminatory.

Democratic control:

Every member has one vote.

Economic participation:

Every member contributes equitably to the co-operative and participates in the democratic control of the co-op’s social capital.